Roots and All - Gardening Podcast

Episode 342: Healsville Sanctuary: Creating Habitats Luke Boyle is the Horticulture Manager at Healesville Sanctuary in Victoria, Australia—a leading conservation zoo nestled in native bushland, dedicated to protecting and showcasing Australia's unique wildlife. We chat about the incredible work Luke and his team are doing to ensure the sanctuary is not just a safe and enriching haven for animals,...

I'm joined by Susanna Daniels, CEO of Melanoma Focus, and horticulturists Rachel Reynolds, Paul Kimberley and Jenny Warner, who share their personal experiences with skin cancer. With temperatures on the rise, we explore why sun safety is essential for anyone working outdoors, how to protect yourself effectively, and the serious risks of not taking the sun seriously. Links Melanoma Focus is a nati...

Author Nic Wilson speaks about her memoir, Land Beneath the Waves. We delve into how her relationship with the natural world has provided insight and resilience in the face of chronic illness, and how our surroundings can shape and reflect our inner landscapes. Links Official Website nicwilson.co.uk – The central hub for Nic's writing, including her memoir Land Beneath the Waves , Guardian Country...

Lockie Scicluna is part of the crew living and working at Australia's remote Mawson Station in Antarctica. Lockie is closely involved in the station's hydroponic growing setup — an ingenious system that allows the team to produce fresh vegetables in one of the most extreme environments on Earth. We talk about the challenges of growing food without soil or sunlight, and why having a growing operati...

I'm joined by Dave Chapman, host of the US chart-topping Real Organic Podcast . We dive into the rise of "regenerative" as the latest industry buzzword, the troubling reality of corporate consolidation in agriculture, and how antitrust issues are threatening the future of truly organic food. We also explore the key differences between organic food markets in the U.S. and the EU—and what they might...

I'm joined by author Sarah Bilston to explore the strange allure of orchids and the daring—and often destructive—pursuits of the plant hunters who sought them. We delve into the economic and ecological entanglements of botany, the lasting impacts of orchid mania on countries like Brazil, and what we risk losing when we oversimplify the tangled roots of horticultural history. Links The Lost Orchid:...

In this episode, I'm speaking with Mary Reynolds—renowned landscape designer, author, and founder of the rewilding movement We Are The Ark . This episode originally aired in 2019 and it's particularly pertinent as it coincides with the start of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where Mary, won a gold medal winner for her ground-breaking, naturalistic garden which at the time was a revelation. Mary has...

Geeta Mehta, author of Japanese Gardens , talks about the beauty, philosophy, and deep cultural roots of Japan's garden traditions. We delve into how these serene landscapes reflect harmony, mindfulness, and a unique dialogue between nature and design. Links Japanese Gardens: Tranquility, Simplicity, Harmony by Geeta Mehta & Kimie Tada   Geeta Mehta on Wikipedia Other episodes if you liked this on...

Joshua Sparkes is a grower whose innovative, soil-centered approach blends regenerative principles with a deep reverence for the natural world. We dig into his unique style of farming, how it's shaped by observation and experimentation, and why it offers a glimpse into what must be the future of sustainable food production. Links The Collective at Woolsery Joshua Sparkes on Instagram Other episode...

Ecological designer and waterway whisperer Emmaline Bowman, talks about her mission to heal landscapes through nature-led design at her practice Stem Landscape Architecture & Design. We dig into the magic of restoring ecosystems, how nature-led design is possible and feasible from a business perspective and the knock-on effects of starting the ball rolling one green space at a time. Links www.stem...

I'm joined by Pete Case from the Freshwater Habitats Trust to dive into the world of garden ponds—why they can be crucial for wildlife, how to create one, and what makes them such a powerful tool for conservation right in your own back, or front,   garden. Whether you've got a bucket or a full-blown pond, this one's for you. Links www.freshwaterhabitats.org.uk The Pond Book Other episodes if you l...

Today's episode is a bit different because I'm not well at the moment and the podcast has taken a back seat to hospital visits and sleeping lots I'm afraid. But, out of something negative comes a positive because I decided to re-master and re-release an episode from the back catalogue, and this week we're dipping back into Episode 97 with Doug Tallamy. But we're not just hitting replay. We're brin...

Kelly Morse is co-founder of 70|30 Studio—a design practice with a mission to rewild spaces and reconnect people with nature. Kelly's work blends ecology, sustainability, and creative design to transform how we experience the natural world. We'll be discussing the philosophy behind 70|30 Studio, the challenges and rewards of integrating wild landscapes into urban environments, and how we can all b...

I'm joined by the brilliant AB Bishop, a passionate advocate for wildlife-friendly gardening and author and journalist. We dive into the incredible ways AB has transformed her outdoor space into a thriving habitat for native birds, insects, and other creatures. If you're keen to make your patch more biodiverse and buzzing with life, plus find out about Australia's incredible flora and fauna, this...

Nutritional therapist and sustainable cooking expert Sam Hamrebtan explores the vital connection between soil and the nutrients in our food. As the founder of the Life Larder newsletter and Course Director at CNM's Natural Chef School, Sam brings a wealth of knowledge on how growing practices impact the quality of what we eat. Sam talks about   nourishing both the land and ourselves. Links The Lif...

Explore the deep connection between movement, landscape, and wellbeing In this episode featuring author and academic Kerri Andrews. We talk about her book Pathfinding and the profound impact of walking in nature. Discover how walking can be an act of reflection, discovery, and even resistance. Kerri shares insights from history and her own experiences, reminding us why putting one foot in front of...

Investigative journalist Carey Gillam talks about glyphosate, one of the most widely used herbicides in the world. Carey has spent years researching its impacts on health and the environment, as well as the discussions surrounding its regulation and use. She talks about her research, the science behind this particular herbicide, and the effects of the chemical on soils and our health. Links Learn...

  Content creator, writer and gardener Ramona Jones talks about her garden and her beautiful book Growing . We discuss her experiences as a neurodivergent gardener, how she uses social media to document her journey, and the joys of creating a space that nurtures both plants and wildlife. She shares her deep connection with nature and the ways gardening has helped her grow in more ways than one. Li...

Bailey Van Tassel talks about the art of kitchen gardening. We explore Bailey's seasonal, intuitive approach to growing food at home and discuss insights from her book, Kitchen Garden Living . With a focus on simplicity and sustainability, Bailey shares her thoughts on cultivating a thriving kitchen garden. Links www.baileyvantassel.com Kitchen Garden Living: Seasonal Growing and Eating from a Bea...

I'm joined by Richard Scott and Polly Moseley from the Scouse Flowerhouse to explore the transformative power of community gardens. They share insights on using wildflowers to create vibrant, biodiverse spaces that benefit both people and wildlife, as well as the challenges and rewards of managing community green spaces. Listen on to discover how their work is weaving nature into urban communities...

Trees and crops—better together! This week on  Roots and All , I'm joined by Andy Dibben, co-author of Silvohorticulture , to explore how agroforestry can revolutionise our growing spaces for a more resilient and productive future. Links Silvohorticulture: A grower's guide to integrating trees into crops by Andy Dibben & Ben Raskin Other episodes if you liked this one: If you liked this week's epi...

Join me for a timely exploration of how weather shapes our landscapes, ecosystems, and personal experiences of the natural world. Writer and naturalist Matt Gaw discusses his latest book, In All Weathers. As we face an increasing onslaught of extreme and unpredictable weather patterns across the globe, Matt's reflections on walking through the elements—be it storm, drought, or downpour—offer both...

Tom Hirons is a poet whose work resonates deeply with the primal and ungovernable forces of nature, the human condition, and the intersections where they meet. His writing, including the much-lauded poem Sometimes a Wild God , stirs something ancient within, reminding readers of the chaos and beauty that lie at the heart of existence. In this conversation, we delve into the inspirations and philos...

Andrew Jackson is changing the future of garden spaces for new builds with his groundbreaking initiative, the New Build Manifesto. Drawing on over a decade of experience as a Director in social housing, Andrew is now channeling his expertise to advocate for better quality garden spaces that benefit both homeowners and nature. His campaign brings together developers and homeowners to create enrichi...

Returning guest John Little is on a collaborative mission to revolutionise the way we care for green spaces in order to ensure they deliver for people and for wildlife. John has set up a new initiative called Care Not Capital which is about investing in gardeners and recognising them as the key piece they are in the green spaces jigsaw. Links www.grassroofcompany.co.uk Care Not Capital on Instagra...